Real Wedding at The West Mill Venue, Derbyshire

We met in psychology class, year 12 at Ashby high school (even though Ed had spotted me at the local leisure centre pool two years previously!). We have been together ever since and when we got married it was our 8 year anniversary.

Edward proposed to me in Switzerland, Lausanne on my 24th birthday. He took me out for a beautiful meal at a lovely restaurant. The plan was to propose in the gardens before the meal but unfortunately the weather was awful so we couldn’t go outside (and Ed knew I wouldn’t want to be asked in public) so it had to wait. After the meal the rain had stopped so Ed walked me round the city- but still people were around. He suggested we go back to our Air BnB but when we got back he insisted he went out for wine and I wasn’t to go with him! One hour later a very sweaty Ed came back with some wine (turns out there are not many shops open after ten) and he asked me to go wait in the kitchen for my final gift.

When I came out the place was full of lit tea lights and I said (as a joke!) ‘Aw this is nice, are you proposing!’ – and turns out he was !!!!!!

What was your inspiration and vision for your day?

The West Mill was the first venue we saw and we both fell in love at first sight. We loved the industrial feel to the mill so we wanted to run with that with a slight bohemian twist. I was influenced a lot by the designers Grace Loves Lace. They do cool lace wedding dresses, but not only that there Instagram is full of bohemian styled weddings.

That is why the bridal party was in lace and where I had the idea of dream catchers as the back drop. It was also the first naked cake I saw with deep pink/ox blood colored flowers which came the basis of my wedding colour palette.

Why did you choose The West Mill Venue?

We chose the West Mill as it was nothing like we had seen before. I loved that it felt special and fancy for a wedding but it still had all its original features so it had that rustic feel. And most importantly when I walked into the ceremony room I had butterflies!

Also on a practical point – the no corkage was a big plus, we loved that we had an events manager to help and guide us through the preparation and the day and Jenkinsons was yummy and reasonable.

Did you do any DIY projects?

All our signage and order of ceremony was done ourselves. We found some dappled grey card from hobby craft and made the template on word!

We made our own photo booth. One of my bridesmaids bought me a polaroid camera wedding kit which came with; 80 prints, a book to stick them in and the camera. I then asked the rest of my maids to bring props! It worked a charm and it was cheaper then a photobooth (and now we have a camera for life).

We also had some generous/talented friends. Tanya made our cake and it was delicious and looked super professional. Then my friends partner did our video – which was great as he is a professional director with all the kit and skills. Both saved us a lot of money and it was nice to get friends involved.

Tell us about the details…

My dress! I bought the dress from Cicily bridal in Ashby De La Zouch. It was a sample sale and the third dress I tried on. I wasn’t expecting to buy anything but once I tried that dress on I couldn’t walk out the shop with out it. It was more traditional and fitted then I thought I would go for but when you find the one you have to forget about those previous ideas. What sold me though was the lace detail – I love lace! I gave it a twist of me with deep red nails, flowers in my hair and vintage silver jewellery.

Edward chose his and the groomsmen outfits. It started with the green tweed jacket and then he built it from there. It was rather hard finding a mix matched suit for ten men of different sizes and builds – but in the end he found reasonable and nice suits from Next so it all worked out well (after a fair bit of tailoring). The look was based on a country style and I felt happy they all have a beautiful suit to keep now.

Nadia Du Tullio did the flowers, she is a flower wizard and I couldn’t have been happier with them! I love wild and textured flowers and I got exactly that. It was great that she knew the venue well too. I went for the deep colours as the bridal party were in light dresses and I wanted the contrast.

What was on the Menu? Drinks Reception (Canapes & Drinks) & Wedding Breakfast

Everyone said it was the best wedding food they have had! The portions were great and the food was amazing!

Evening Food: Cheese Tower Cake & Pulled Pork Rolls

What was your favourite part of the wedding?

I really loved the ceremony. It felt so special walking down the aisle with my Dad and seeing all my friends and family. And then when I saw Ed, looking so handsome (and emotional) all the nerves melted away. We both said it was so special saying the vows to each other and it made us really excited for our future as husband and wife.

We also had my bridesmaid Emily sing ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeren with the pianist and then all the guests sang ‘All you Need is Love’ by the Beetles. These were both really special moments that we will remember forever.